Fri, 01 Feb 2019 14:14:56 -0800WeeblyThu, 17 Jan 2019 09:03:13 GMThttp://www.goodshortstories.net/just-transient-gibberings---a-blog/yes-brexitThe machinations around leaving the EU are all around us at this time. Whatever your view on the matter, it is not going well. It could be that we must suffer a great deal before we come out on the other side. I would offer this thought. People will risk all, including their lives, for freedom. Rarely will people have the same strength of feeling about wanting to stay in the control of others. When those who seek freedom are thwarted in their desires, then those who oppose them become their oppressors. They change from being the neighbour, the brother, the friend, to the enemy. When they rise up against oppression, they are seen by the establishment as now their enemy and a force of revolution that must be put down. Those seeking freedom will then find it only by looking through their prison bars and the liberal elite can continue their passive obedience to the madmen in control.

Here is a pile of logs ready for splitting. What price will you pay for this free firewood? After all, they are free,aren't they?It's your body will pay the price for your mind's version of 'free'. So, careful what you ask of it.

Recently we lost our good friend Eric to a terminal illness. Eric was a nature lover, a story writer and an accomplished poet. His only surviving relative has had a bench placed on the hill near Torrington and overlooking the river valley. A great way to remember Eric and how much he would have enjoyed to sit there himself . . . perhaps in spirit he will. Is it time to buy your own bench? Sit on it while you still can?

]]>Sun, 19 Nov 2017 17:16:29 GMThttp://www.goodshortstories.net/just-transient-gibberings---a-blog/good-old-dadMany a time in life I have said these words, 'good old dad,' out loud. When something he taught me, told me or left me comes to use. An old fishing rod bag I use for aikido wooden weapons gave up the ghost the other day - the strap broke away. I thought about sewing, or perhaps glue but then - inspiration ! Out in the garage I have a box of bits inherited from cobbling days. Amongst them were rivets. Must be 50 years old at least but as good as the day they were made. With judicious use of inherited tools the job was done. Clean easy and strong ... good old dad.

Recently, I was throwing a few darts at the board and without much success. I decided on an experiment - to trust body over mind. Instinct over thinking. I relaxed and released my mind from the process and let my body throw the dart. Smack, dead centre it went.I cannot repeat this, because now my mind knows what I am up to and won't relinquish control.​Coincidence? Yeah, that's really likely eh?

]]>Mon, 13 Mar 2017 10:01:52 GMThttp://www.goodshortstories.net/just-transient-gibberings---a-blog/renewing-spirit Surely in all of us there must be something of the adventurer, warrior, and philosopher; in all of us a curiosity to know ourselves; to step out of our sheltered place and into a wilder, grander world, to feel the wind and hear the sound of boots on snow, to feel the sun and watch the eagle fly. To enjoy the pleasurable fatigue of the honourable toil of journeys well made. To tell our tale and relive the feeling of our day, no matter success or loss, for those that tried can only win.

The tide is on its way in, it's not a toy tide in this part of the world. Tidal range can be over six metres and wind and waves can make it much worse. The little dots on the rocks are climbers, doing this for fun. When the tide is in, where they stand now will be covered in water, even now, one slip is all it takes. There is no other way out but up. It's what they are there for . . . risk, and life.